Windows access

Windows access

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Alan Mon#1 / 3

Windows access

I'm pretty much a pure DOS user (I use Win 3.11 about once per month) and from time to time I write utils in PB 3.5 for blind people. So far they've all had DOS screen readers so there has been no problem, but increasing numbers are now Windows-only. So, while the utils can still run (even in Win2k ?), they can't get any feedback and even starting them is problematical. Ideally, I'd like to be able to bolt a simple 16-bit Windows interface onto the utils, but I don't even know if that's possible, let alone how easy it might be. Maybe a Windows front-end is a possibility, but already I'm out of my depth :( Any ideas would be gratefully received.

If what you need is the "text screen" interface to get the feedback, you might want to try using the powerbasic Compiler, which outputs a text screen.

Tell you what: for some reason your application (aiding the blind) sounds like the kind of thing I'd like to donate a little more time to. A number of years ago I helped someone force PB/DOS to print through the BIOS (not PB's normal text printing mode): he had an application which intercepted the BIOS calls and ran the text into a speech-synthesizer. Very rewarding to me, knowing I did something good.

The first thing that comes to mind is the the Windows "Accessibility Options", which are designed .. well, let's see what Microsoft has to say...

"The Accessibility wizard makes it easier for people with disabilities to operate a computer without installing special software. Accessibility options-such as StickyKeys, ShowSounds, and MouseKeys-are designed to help users with specific disabilities make full use of the computer."

"..Notes. You can also start the Accessibility wizard by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing to Accessories, pointing to Accessibility, and then clicking Accessibility Wizard. "

If that does not get you started in the right direction, drop me a note at the address below if you'd like me to take a shot at porting one of your PB/DOS utilities to PC/CC or maybe just find some alternate way to generate feedback. We can discuss your needs more effectively off-line.

Regards, - Michael Mattias Tal Systems Racine WI USA

Quote:

> I'm pretty much a pure DOS user (I use Win 3.11 about once per month) > and from time to time I write utils in PB 3.5 for blind people. So far > they've all had DOS screen readers so there has been no problem, but > increasing numbers are now Windows-only. So, while the utils can still > run (even in Win2k ?), they can't get any feedback and even starting > them is problematical. > Ideally, I'd like to be able to bolt a simple 16-bit Windows interface > onto the utils, but I don't even know if that's possible, let alone how > easy it might be. Maybe a Windows front-end is a possibility, but > already I'm out of my depth :( > Any ideas would be gratefully received.

> If what you need is the "text screen" interface to get the feedback, you > might want to try using the PowerBASIC Compiler, which outputs a text > screen.

No, what I need is some sort of non-text interface. Unfortunately, DOS and 32-bit console apps are regarded as being identical from the screen reading point of view and require a DOS (or at least a text mode) screen reader. Most blind people are on short commons financially and since screen readers cost an arm and a leg, those who are buying today only get a Windows one.

Quote:

> Tell you what: for some reason your application (aiding the blind) sounds > like the kind of thing I'd like to donate a little more time to. A number of > years ago I helped someone force PB/DOS to print through the BIOS (not PB's > normal text printing mode): he had an application which intercepted the BIOS > calls and ran the text into a speech-synthesizer. Very rewarding to me, > knowing I did something good.

Yes, I know how you feel.

Quote:

> The first thing that comes to mind is the the Windows "Accessibility > Options", which are designed .. well, let's see what Microsoft has to say...

...

Thanks, that's worth investigating.

Quote:

> If that does not get you started in the right direction, drop me a note at > the address below if you'd like me to take a shot at porting one of your > PB/DOS utilities to PC/CC or maybe just find some alternate way to generate > feedback. We can discuss your needs more effectively off-line.